Photovoice is a participatory action research method that was founded on mobilizing communities toward action. However, there is limited research detailing the action stages of photovoice that are meant to follow the initial research. In this article, we describe the action stage of a youth photovoice project conducted at the planning phase of a Community Health Needs Assessment of the Latino community in North Philadelphia. In collaboration with local leaders, we utilized photovoice to prioritize the health needs identified in the assessment. We announced a request for proposals and launched twelve, 1-year, community catalyst grants in the amount of US$50,000 each. While grants were funded and implemented, the participants continued to exhibit their findings in Philadelphia City Hall and engage with city policymakers. We developed a health policy workshop where Philadelphia youth beyond the original photovoice participants could learn advocacy skills and policy research to develop a proposal addressing a priority health need identified through photovoice. This workshop was expanded into a year-round program where participants can be matched with a career mentor, engage in professional development sessions, and continue to refine and advocate for their policy proposal. We found that successful action planning stemmed from setting goals several steps ahead of the current stage of action while enhancing the ability to center community voice in guiding action forward. Photovoice influenced decision-making throughout each of the steps taken toward action. Future research should recognize and describe action planning as a central tenet of photovoice methodologies.

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Introduction: Sexual minority (SM; e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual) adults have a higher prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to heterosexual adults, which is attributed to their increased exposure to minority stressors (e.g., experiences of discrimination). Yet, there are no evidence-based interventions for CVD risk reduction tailored to the unique needs of SM adults. Our goal was to inform the development of a tailored intervention for CVD risk reduction in middle-aged (ages 40-64) SM adults. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study to understand the perceptions of SM adults on their risk of CVD and identify their preferences for an intervention. We recruited an online sample of middle-aged SM adults who lived in the United States and reported no history of CVD. During one-on-one semi-structured interviews, participants were presented a sample multi-component intervention that combined elements of existing interventions for minority stress and CVD risk reduction. Transcripts were independently coded using directed content analysis to create a codebook. Codes were grouped into cognitive, behavioral, and environmental themes guided by Social Cognitive Theory. Results: The sample included 23 participants with a mean age of 52.0 (±7.2) years. Approximately 52% were female and 61% were White. Cognitive theme: Participants acknowledged the importance of their sexual identity and cardiovascular health but lacked insight into the elevated CVD risk that has been observed in SM adults. Behavioral theme: They were willing to join an intervention to reduce their CVD risk if it did not require dramatic lifestyle changes. Environmental theme: Participants preferred a virtual, synchronous, group intervention no longer than 12 weeks. They indicated convenience, socialization, and comprehensiveness were main factors informing intervention delivery preferences. All participants approved of the sample intervention, particularly stress-reduction components. Conclusions: Gaps in knowledge related to CVD risk among SM adults were identified. Findings provide important knowledge that should be considered in designing tailored interventions for CVD risk reduction in SM adults.

BackgroundArt can be a strong advocacy tool; it can be used to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and can change people’s perceptions of the world and others in it. In 2018, an art exhibit at Jefferson University included the cardboard signs of people who panhandle in Philadelphia as well as excerpts from in-depth interviews with those who panhandle to highlight their lived experiences. While the team published an article about this work, the purpose of this follow-up study is to explore the lasting impact of the exhibit experience on attendees’ perceptions of people who panhandle.MethodsFourteen attendees of the “Signs of Humanity” exhibit were interviewed 18 months later to explore their recollection of their visit and perceptions of the panhandling community. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematic codes were developed in two ways: a priori codes based on literature, and through line-by-line reading of transcripts.ResultsDirected content analysis showed three main areas in which the exhibit resonated with participants: emotional, behavioral, and educational resonance, in addition to a cross-cutting “sticky” theme, referring to the memorable long-term value of the exhibit.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that integrating art into the dissemination phase of research is effective in imbuing long-lasting emotional/behavioral responses in a way that is both accessible and provocative for the lay and scientific communities. This study adds to the body of evidence supporting the efficacy of art as an education tool and supports its use as a way to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.